This 18th century Palazzo has been reborn as an arts space in the Salento town of Galatina – and you can stay in it via Airbnb.
Palazzo Mongio dell’Elefante della Torre moonlights as a gallery, hosting private pop-up exhibitions and installations in its ground floor spaces. But most of the time, it’s home to art lovers Christian Pizzinini and Antonio Lodovico Scolari.
The pair bought the property – which dates back to 1723 – in the South of Italy back in 2013. It had been neglected for over 50 years, and they immediately set about restoring the ruinous building, turning it into a house and private gallery space.
Original features have been salvaged, including marble floors, tiling and doors. Voluminous rooms have vaulted ceilings of up to 7 metres-tall, lending them a gallery-like feel – fitting, as they’re hung with pieces from artists Eduard Habicher, Massimo Ruiu and Lamorgese Giovanni.
Furniture inside the palazzo’s apartment has been given the same curatorial attention, with mid-century pieces from Gio Ponti, Franco Albini and Luigi Caccia Dominioni dotting the rooms. If they take your fancy, artworks and furniture are for sale.
Up on the roof, there’s a sun terrace and hot tub for guests, who can rent one of the palazzo’s private rooms, with access to communal living spaces. See more via Airbnb.
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